An act of arson targeting critical signalling cables caused widespread disruptions to train travel into Paris just hours before the city’s Olympic Games opening ceremony. The fires, reported before dawn on Friday, affected around 800,000 people across Europe, including athletes en route to the event. The attacks, which took place in remote locations far from the capital, aimed to cut off rail routes into Paris from all directions. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries, but the railway operator SNCF has initiated repairs and increased security across the network in response. French government ministers swiftly condemned the vandalism, expressing their determination to restore normal rail services as soon as possible. The CEO of SNCF, Jean-Pierre Farandou, emphasized the ongoing investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the coordinated attack. Minister for Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, called the arson appalling and emphasized the unity and pride associated with hosting the Olympics. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed hope that arrests would be made soon. Patrice Vergriete, Minister Delegate for Transport, confirmed that some TGV high-speed trains would remain disrupted in the coming days but praised the efforts of SNCF teams to minimize the impact on travelers. The incident underscores the challenges faced by authorities in ensuring the smooth functioning of transportation networks during major international events.
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Technicians from SNCF start repairing damage after series of arson attacks on French railway system
